Continuing warm weather has helped persuade managers to keep Chipping Norton and Woodstock outdoor swimming pools open later.

Chipping Norton Lido, which was saved following a campaign by residents last year and is now run by a community group, will stay open until October 1, almost a month later than usual.

It is the first time the pool has stayed opened through September since it was built in 1970.

Chipping Norton Lido Ltd, which is made up of local residents, said the decision to stay open was in response to growing customer demand, as well as an increase in the number of swimmers using the pool over the summer.

In Woodstock, the outdoor pool in Shipton Road is staying open until Sunday, two weeks later than scheduled.

It was due to close on September 5, but West Oxfordshire District Council and Wycombe Leisure Ltd decided to extend opening after the warm start to September.

Claire Jarvis, one of Chipping Norton Lido's directors, said: "We often have good weather in September and have always regretted that, in the past, the pool always closed at the end of the school holidays.

"With the water heated to at least 28,C, we hope lots of people will continue to enjoy swimming outdoors for longer this year."

Residents set up the Keep Our Pool Open campaign in 2003 after West Oxfordshire District Council threatened to close the pool, off Fox Close.

The management team believes that the increased usage of the pool, which opened at the end of May, has proved that it is a vital community facility.

The Lido's September timetable includes a weekday early morning swim, from 6am to 8am, followed by a general public session from 12.30pm to 6.30pm, and an adults-only swim until 7.30pm. At weekends, the pool opens for adults-only from 10am to midday, followed by a public swim until 7.30pm.

Woodstock pool opens throughout the week for adults-only sessions at 7am to 8am and 6.30pm to 7.30pm, and public sessions from 3.30pm to 6.15pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, the pool will open from 10am to midday for adults-only, midday to 6.15pm to the general public, and will close for the season with an adults-only swim from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Oxford City Council says Hinksey Pool, off Abingdon Road in south Oxford, will remain open until its usual closing date of September 25.